Peter Obi Critiques Tinubu's Economic Management in Nigeria

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration regarding Nigeria's economic priorities. He stated that despite reported improvements in economic indicators, ordinary Nigerians face ongoing struggles with poverty, unemployment, and high living costs.

Obi warned against interpreting a recent World Bank report as evidence of improved living conditions, emphasizing that economic stability should be measured by citizens' ability to afford basic necessities. He cited that the Federal Government spent ₦7.7 trillion on debt interest payments from January to June 2026, while total revenue was ₦6.2 trillion, leading to a deficit of about ₦1.5 trillion.

Additionally, he noted a decline in capital expenditure by ₦700 billion in the first half of 2026. Obi accused the administration of reckless borrowing and selective presentation of economic statistics, asserting that many Nigerians cannot celebrate economic gains when they struggle to meet basic needs.

He referenced a United Nations Development Programme report indicating that Nigeria's poverty reduction progress has reversed.